Mangaluru-Born Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty’s Journey to Becoming a Rafale Fighter Jet Pilot
Mangaluru: Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty’s remarkable journey to becoming a pilot of the Indian Air Force’s advanced Rafale fighter jet began soon after completing his Pre-University education. He secured the 42nd rank at the all-India level in the UPSC examination and went on to undergo three years of military training at the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune.
During his training at the NDA, he also received flying training on the Super Dimona aircraft, laying a strong foundation for his aviation career.
After completing his training at the NDA, he joined the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, where he underwent one year of specialised flying training. He received flying instruction on the Pilatus and Kiran aircraft and secured first place in aviation subjects, earning distinction for his academic performance. During this period, he also obtained a B.Tech degree.
In December 2022, Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force. He subsequently completed one year of Basic Fighter Training on the Hawk aircraft at Kalaikunda, West Bengal. He once again secured first place in aviation subjects, demonstrating his academic excellence.
After completing the various stages of training, Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty earned the opportunity to fly the Indian Air Force’s advanced Rafale fighter aircraft. He was posted to the 17 Squadron, known as the Golden Arrows, at Ambala. After completing conversion training on the Rafale, he is now serving as a fully operational Rafale fighter pilot.
A particularly proud moment in his career came recently when he participated in the Indian Air Force’s 94th Air Force Day aerial display, Wings Over Ganges, held in Varanasi. He flew as part of the ‘Neelkanth’ formation, comprising three Rafale fighter aircraft. Flying in the key central position of the formation, he demonstrated his professional skills and flying capabilities.
Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty is the son of Ramesh Shetty of Harekal Ulidottu and Seetha R. Shetty of Kodethur Moodudevasya. His journey, marked by rigorous training, academic excellence, and his achievement of becoming an operational pilot of the Indian Air Force’s advanced Rafale fighter aircraft, serves as an inspiration to young aspirants.